Alex Belfield's Release Sparks Renewed Anxiety Among Stalking Victims

In June 2025, the release of Alex Belfield, the former BBC radio host, from prison has reignited fears among his stalking victims who now confront the possibility of his public comeback. Sentenced to five and a half years in September 2022 for a sustained stalking campaign against several individuals, including broadcaster Jeremy Vine, Belfield's release on license has left many questioning his remorse and intentions.

Belfield, 45, was imprisoned for his harassment of four men and has since generated significant controversy with his online activities from prison. Describing himself as a 'convicted talker' and a 'political prisoner' on his website, he has promoted a series of books authored while incarcerated, as well as a planned summer speaking tour, which he claims will offer his perspective on events. Such actions have raised concern among his victims, who describe ongoing psychological scars from their experiences.

Liz Green, a former BBC Radio Leeds presenter and one of Belfield's victims, expressed her anguish over his release. 'I wish he had stayed in for five and a half years,' Green stated, recalling the lasting impact of his harassment on her mental health. 'I was suicidal. It made me very ill,' she added, revealing that she had undergone therapy and was heavily medicated due to the trauma inflicted during a decade-long ordeal.

Belfield's history of abuse includes a 2011 incident where he suggested in veiled terms that Green should be sent to Auschwitz after she presented a documentary about the concentration camp. Although he was cleared of stalking Green and three other female BBC employees, the judge in his trial remarked that he had conducted a 'personal campaign of revenge' against them, resulting in their need for psychological support.

Belfield's release is subject to strict license conditions, and he is prohibited from contacting his victims. The Ministry of Justice affirmed that offenders released on license can be recalled to prison if they breach these conditions. However, Green remains skeptical of Belfield’s intentions, particularly as he seems to use his release as a platform for self-promotion. 'I am concerned about the publicity he will gain from his claims of being an oppressed political prisoner,' she noted.

Philip Dehany, another victim who is pursuing a civil claim against Belfield, also shared his apprehensions. 'I had hoped he would want to put it all behind him, but it seems he is reluctant to move on,' Dehany remarked, emphasizing the impact of Belfield's ongoing activities on his own mental health.

The ongoing debate surrounding Belfield's release encapsulates broader issues of justice and the psychological impact of stalking. According to Dr. Sarah Johnson, a clinical psychologist and expert on trauma at Harvard University, 'The psychological effects of stalking can linger long after the harassment has ceased, often manifesting as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.'

As Belfield prepares for his planned public engagements, many victims fear that his actions will not only undermine their recovery but also set a troubling precedent regarding accountability for stalking behavior. The implications of Belfield’s release extend beyond individual cases, highlighting the need for robust support systems for victims and stringent enforcement of legal protections against harassment.

Looking ahead, experts warn that the media's role in covering Belfield's return could further complicate matters. 'Media attention can inadvertently provide platforms for perpetrators to continue their narratives, potentially endangering victims,' stated Dr. Emily Clarke, a media studies expert at the University of London.

With the situation evolving, victims like Green and Dehany continue to seek healing while grappling with the unsettling reality of Belfield's return to the public eye. The ongoing dialogue surrounding this case reflects broader societal challenges in addressing the ramifications of stalking and ensuring justice for victims.